Boks' ‘fake lineout' in open play: ‘It's about evolving and being creative'
Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids says they will continue to learn and evolve and are happy to accept good ideas from any team. Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
After a stunning 45-0 whitewash over Italy in Gqeberha over the past weekend, where the Springboks pulled out a full bag of tricks, they want to continue to learn and evolve, according to assistant coach Deon Davids.
The Boks used a number of trick plays in the match that had the Italians at sixes and sevens, with one of those moves being the 'fake lineout' in open play, where the scrumhalf throws the ball to a lofted player, allowing the team to set up a maul in open play.
The Boks scored twice from that with Canan Moodie busting over, and Malcolm Marx being driven over, and Davids was asked to elaborate on the decision to use a move that coach Rassie Erasmus admitted came from a clip they had seen of a school rugby team earlier this year.
'As a team we always try to evolve our game and try to be creative. We watch rugby from different teams in our country and all over the world, and we took notice of that innovative move,' explained Davids in Mbombela on Monday, ahead of their match against Georgia on the weekend.
'We saw an opportunity to do something different and it's good that it worked for us and is maybe something we can take forward.
'It also serves as encouragement for the coaches. There are lot of bright ideas out there, and it's good to learn. Even from primary schools and high schools, or any team (with a good idea), in terms of where we can get better and how we can evolve.'
Strong start
It has been a strong start to the season for the Boks, with them thumping invitational side the Barbarians 54-7, and picking up two big wins over Italy, the first 42-24 at Loftus, with them now turning their attention to the one-off Test against the Georgians on Saturday.
Although the home side will be heavy favourites, and a largely inexperienced team of fringe players is expected to be named for the game, Davids said that they were not underestimating their opposition and they are well aware of the challenge that awaits them.
'We see every Test as an important game because we want to win every one, and we never underestimate any team. We understand the DNA of Georgia, we (last) played against them in 2021. They are a team that brings a lot of physicality and they leave everything out there,' said Davids.
'So we are expecting a very tough game. They have been very competitive in their last couple of matches. They are also pressing really hard to be a part of the Six Nations, and they have their own goals.
'Coming over here and playing against us will be another step up for them in that direction. So we are expecting a very competitive game against Georgia.
'For us it's also important to keep setting our own standards, and to improve in every game. Especially with the Rugby Championship and the rest of the year lying ahead. So going into this game there is a massive focus on where we can improve, evolve and get better.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
an hour ago
- eNCA
Kolisi makes first appearance of season
MBOMBELA - Captain and flanker Siya Kolisi will make his first appearance of the season when Rugby World Cup holders South Africa face Georgia in Mbombela on Saturday in a one-off Test. A stiff neck ruled the two-time World Cup winner out of an exhibition match win over the Barbarians in Cape Town last month. Kolisi then sustained an Achilles tendon "niggle" and head coach Rassie Erasmus opted not to risk the veteran in a 2-0 Test series victory over Italy this month. He returns as the Springboks seek to maintain a 100 percent record against the Lelos, having beaten them comfortably in a 2003 World Cup pool match in Australia and a 2021 Test in Pretoria. "We wanted to make sure that Siya is 100 percent fit before selecting him, so it is great to have him back in the squad," said Erasmus after naming his matchday 23. Props Boan Venter and Neethling Fouche as well as hooker Marnus van der Merwe will all make their Test debuts in the northeastern city. "Boan, Marnus, and Neethling have been training hard and deserve their chances," said Erasmus, a key coaching figure in the 2019 and 2023 World Cup triumphs. "Marnus and Neethling played against the Barbarians, so they have an idea of what international rugby is about. "Boan has shown great potential at club level (for Edinburgh) and with the squad in the last few weeks, and we are looking forward to seeing him play. "Building squad depth has been one of our pillars as a squad since 2018, and they are all undoubtedly ready to make the step up." The starting team shows 10 changes from last weekend's 45-0 victory over Italy in Gqeberha. South Africa had to play 58 minutes with 14 men after number 8 Jasper Wiese was red-carded for head-butting prop Danilo Fischetti. Automatically ruled out of the Georgia Test as a result of his ill discipline, his place is taken by young brother Cobus Wiese, who debuted off the bench last weekend. Winger Edwill van der Merwe, who scored two tries in Gqeberha in his first appearance for 13 months and won the player of the match award, is one of five starters retained. The others are outside centre Canan Moodie, scrum-half Grant Williams, flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and lock Ruan Nortje. Team (15-1) Aphelele Fassi; Edwill van der Merwe, Canan Moodie, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Grant Williams; Cobus Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt); Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth; Neethling Fouche, Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Springboks name Siya Kolisi and 3 debutants for Georgia Test
Springboks name Siya Kolisi and 3 debutants for Georgia Test Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a revamped side for Saturday's match against Georgia in Mbombela, headlined by the return of captain Siya Kolisi and three debutants in the front row: Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe and Neethling Fouche. According to Lowvelder, the new trio joins a team featuring only five starters from last week's win over Italy. Kolisi slots into a loose trio with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cobus Wiese, while Eben Etzebeth partners Ruan Nortje in the engine room. Backline changes include Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf and Edwill van der Merwe in a dynamic back three with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Aphelele Fassi. Erasmus said the mix of youth and experience aims to build depth while preparing for The Rugby Championship. 'They've earned their chance, and we're excited to see them perform,' Erasmus said. Kick-off is at 17:10. Tickets for the Mbombela Stadium clash are still available on Ticketmaster. Springbok team to face Georgia: Boan Venter Marnus van der Merwe Neethling Fouche Eben Etzebeth Ruan Nortje Siya Kolisi (captain) Pieter-Steph du Toit Cobus Wiese Grant Williams Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu Kurt-Lee Arendse Damian de Allende Canan Moodie Edwill van der Merwe Aphelele Fassi Replacements: 16. Bongi Mbonambi 17. Thomas du Toit 18. Vincent Koch 19. RG Snyman 20. Kwagga Smith 21. Faf de Klerk 22. Handré Pollard 23. Damian Willemse
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Ruan Nortjé says Boks are all systems go for Georgia
'We know what a big challenge it is for us. We know the type of team Georgia are and the type of rugby they have played in the last year or two.' Siya Kolisi, Ruan Nortjé and Eben Etzebeth have all been selected for the Georgia match. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Springbok lock Ruan Nortjé said that while he is personally excited to be in Mbombela, a place close to his heart, the team have geared up for a tough and physical match against Georgia on Saturday. South Africa and the European nation have only ever played each other twice to date. The Springboks beat Georgia convincingly 46–19 in their 2003 Rugby World Cup pool game. Eighteen years later, the South Africans won even more convincingly in a Test played at Loftus in July 2021, with the final score 40–9. Bongi Mbonambi, Cobus Reinach, Kwagga Smith, Herschel Jantjies and Malcolm Marx all scored tries on the day. While Nortjé missed this season's first friendly against the Barbarians and first Test match against Italy, he got his seventh cap in the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha on the weekend, which the Springboks won 45–0 despite being a player down for an hour. Boks amped for Georgia The Springboks will play their Test against Georgia at Mbombela Stadium this weekend, before a three-week break in the build-up to the Rugby Championship, which kicks off against Australia at Ellis Park on 16 August. While Georgia are not expected to be the toughest opponents, there are a lot of boxes the Boks will want to tick before this all-important tournament. Nortjé was selected to start at five lock for the game. 'Saturday is behind us, it is in the past,' Nortjé said. 'We have a new job, and we know what a big challenge it is for us. We know the type of team Georgia are and the type of rugby they have played in the last year or two.' The Bok lock says they are preparing for a physical and competitive match. He said Mbombela is one of his favourite places to play at, memories of last year's Springboks–Argentina Rugby Championship game fresh in his mind. He played the full 80 minutes of the 48–7 win. 'The atmosphere was electric,' Nortjé said. He added that he was looking forward to embracing that environment again. 'Mbombela is a very special place, close to my heart. My wife and I love the Kruger National Park. Whenever we get a bit of off time, we love to come. It is just awesome to see how the people of Mbombela get behind the Springboks.' Nortjé learns from more experienced Bok locks On a personal note, the 26-year-old said he was humbled and grateful to train with more experienced Springbok locks. 'For me it is all about learning as much as possible. You have probably some of the best locks in the world here: Lood [de Jager], Eben [Etzebeth], Franco [Mostert], RG [Snyman]. 'So for me it's a real honour to learn from those guys and grow my game personally and try to represent South Africa to the best of my ability.'
